KIR-ligand mismatched haplo-identical natural killer cells

A cell-based immunotherapy developed by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) for the treatment of high-risk or relapsed multiple myeloma. The therapy involves the adoptive transfer of purified, KIR-ligand mismatched natural killer (NK) cells derived from a haplo-identical family donor. These NK cells are activated and expanded ex vivo using interleukins (primarily IL-2 at 300 IU/ml, and in some studies IL-15) and are administered to the patient following a lymphodepleting conditioning regimen (typically including melphalan, fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and bortezomib). The mechanism of action relies on the 'missing self' hypothesis, where the donor NK cells recognize and kill myeloma cells that lack the specific HLA class I ligands corresponding to the donor's inhibitory killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs). This infusion is often followed by an autologous stem cell transplant to ensure hematopoietic reconstitution.

Other names

interleukin-University of Arkansas-multiple myelomahaplo-identical NK cellsKIR-mismatched NK cellsUAMS NK cell therapy